We'll miss you, Lauren Hill

We'll miss you, Lauren Hill.

You were only 19 when you left us today, struck down by a brain cancer you inspired us to fight.

You were so young, your season with us so short. How did you give us so much?

We hurt with you when you found out you had an inoperable brain tumor. It was terminal. We weren't your flesh and blood, but we became your family.

We lived with you when you stepped onto the basketball court at Mount St. Joseph in November, sunk a layup, heard the roar of the crowd. Technically there was an opposing team, but that day, everybody joined your team.

We worked with you, as you stepped forward as a face of pediatric brain cancer, and called for help in the fight for a cure. You had diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. We didn't know what that was. You taught us. We gave time and money to the cause, inspired by your example. You were giving everything you had.

We step forward without you now. Our hearts are heavy, but we treasure the unforgettable legacy you left behind. Your unrelenting, joyful courage changed us. You brought us together. You showed us how to live, no matter how little time we have left.

We miss you, Lauren. But we're with you, as you're with us.

We won't forget.